The holidays are beautiful in Arkansas. Colored-light displays of red, green, silver and gold adorn roof lines, porch railings, bushes and hedges of homes throughout neighborhoods. It’s an especially important time for giving, goodwill and encouragement for our fellow man. This December we’ve put our love for all things holiday into the pages of AY.

We are proud to be media partners of Downtown Little Rock’s first Christmas tree. Chris Tanner of Cheers and Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill spearheaded the effort to bring the tree to a parking lot, a short distance from Samantha’s at 322 Main St. We watched with glee as the massive white fir was brought into town on a semi-trailer truck and placed by crane in a 6-foot steel tube. The tree is decked out in multicolored LED lights with a one-of-a-kind glass topper crafted by Arkansas artist and renowned glassblower James Hayes. It’s an exciting addition to our downtown and we hope everyone has a chance to enjoy the beauty and support our local businesses downtown.

In keeping with the holidays, we’re featuring handcrafted cocktails from the Capital Bar & Grill. Whether you prefer pumpkin and ginger, bourbon pecan, or a classic warm peacoat cocktail, any of their inspired creations are sure to keep you warm and cozy on a chilly, winter night.

Don’t forget to take time to care for those around you this year. The holidays can be a particularly difficult time for people who have lost loved ones or may be having difficulty with mental wellness. Our health article from contributing writer Tracy Courage focuses on mental health issues. Courage takes a look at suicide rates this time of year and shines a light on the challenges of battling with depression.

We wish all of you the best, and hope you have the most wonderful time this holiday season. And, although we all know Arkansas weather can be fickle, you never know, maybe we’ll have a white Christmas.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours,